US9457114B2 - Apparatus and method for sterilizing containers - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for sterilizing containers Download PDF

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Publication number
US9457114B2
US9457114B2 US14/107,505 US201314107505A US9457114B2 US 9457114 B2 US9457114 B2 US 9457114B2 US 201314107505 A US201314107505 A US 201314107505A US 9457114 B2 US9457114 B2 US 9457114B2
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plastic preforms
plastic
longitudinal direction
actuation
preforms
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US20140178250A1 (en
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Michael Loy
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Krones AG
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Krones AG
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
    • B08B9/28—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking
    • B08B9/283—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking by gas jets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Disinfection or sterilisation of materials or objects, in general; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/26—Accessories
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Disinfection or sterilisation of materials or objects, in general; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16—Disinfection or sterilisation of materials or objects, in general; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Disinfection or sterilisation of materials or objects, in general; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16—Disinfection or sterilisation of materials or objects, in general; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/20—Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
    • B08B9/28—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking
    • B08B9/34—Arrangements of conduits or nozzles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/4252—Auxiliary operations prior to the blow-moulding operation not otherwise provided for
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2103/00—Materials or objects being the target of disinfection or sterilisation
    • A61L2103/23—Containers other than laboratory or medical, e.g. bottles or mail
    • A61L2202/23—
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
    • B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
    • B29C2949/0715—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration the preform having one end closed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/02—Combined blow-moulding and manufacture of the preform or the parison
    • B29C49/06—Injection blow-moulding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/4205—Handling means, e.g. transfer, loading or discharging means
    • B29C49/42073—Grippers
    • B29C49/42087—Grippers holding outside the neck
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/42414—Treatment of preforms, e.g. cleaning or spraying water for improved heat transfer
    • B29C49/42416—Purging or cleaning the preforms
    • B29C49/42418—Purging or cleaning the preforms for sterilizing

Definitions

  • the present inventive concepts relate to an apparatus and a method for sterilizing containers, and in particular the sterilizing or respectively cleaning of plastic preforms.
  • plastic containers are sterilized prior to filling.
  • both an inner surface of the plastic containers and an outer surface can be sterilized.
  • Sterilization can take place by germicidal irradiation, such as for example beta radiation. Sterilization can also occur by the application of a sterilization agent, such as a hydrogen peroxide gas.
  • a sterilization agent such as a hydrogen peroxide gas.
  • conventional processes including the sterilization of not only the finished plastic containers, but also the preforms themselves. In this manner, a certain pre-sterilization of the plastic preforms can be achieved before they are expanded into plastic containers.
  • an apparatus for sterilizing plastic preforms comprising: a transport device that transports the plastic preforms along a predefined transport path, each plastic preform extending in a longitudinal direction; and a plurality of actuation devices, each actuation device inputting a flowable medium into interiors of the plastic preforms, respectively, wherein the actuation devices travel with the plastic preforms in a transport direction along the transport device, and wherein the actuation devices at least one of inject the flowable medium into the plastic preforms at a predefined angle ⁇ relative to the longitudinal directions of the plastic preforms, or include longitudinal directions, respectively, that are offset relative to the longitudinal directions of the plastic preforms.
  • the actuation devices inject the flowable medium into the plastic preforms at the predefined angle ⁇ , and a longitudinal direction of actuation device of the actuation devices is offset from a longitudinal direction of a plastic preform of the plastic preforms by a predetermined distance.
  • the actuation devices are arranged such that they inject the flowable medium into the plastic preforms at the predefined angle ⁇ that is different from 0° along which the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms extend, such that a direction of injection has a component which is oriented opposite to the transport direction of the plastic preforms.
  • the longitudinal direction of an actuation device of the actuation devices in a direction of movement of the plastic preforms is offset in relation to the longitudinal directions of the plastic preforms with respect to the transport direction of the plastic preforms.
  • the apparatus further comprises a gap between mouths of the plastic preforms and the actuation devices, the gap extending in the transport direction of the plastic preforms.
  • the actuation devices are arranged on a carrier.
  • the predefined angle ⁇ is between 5° and 50°. In some embodiments, the predefined angle ⁇ is between 10° and 30°. In some embodiments, the predefined angle ⁇ is between 10° and 20°. In some embodiments, the predefined angle ⁇ is between 12° and 18°.
  • the distance between the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms and the longitudinal direction of the actuation devices is between 2 mm and 12 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms and the longitudinal direction of the actuation devices is between 4 mm and 10 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms and the longitudinal direction of the actuation devices is between 5 mm and 9 mm.
  • At least one of the predefined angle, the offset between the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms and longitudinal directions of the actuation devices, or a height of the gap between the plastic preforms and the actuation device is adjustable.
  • the apparatus further comprises a deflection device which deflects a sterilization agent emerging from a plastic container of the plastic preforms onto an outer region of the plastic container.
  • a carrier is arranged adjacent to the mouth of the plastic preforms, wherein the carrier has at least one recess on a mouth of a plastic container of the plastic preforms which recess extends beyond a mouth edge of the plastic container in a radial direction thereof.
  • a method for sterilizing plastic preforms comprises transporting the plastic preforms along a predefined path; and during the transporting of the plastic preforms, actuating an interior of the plastic preforms by inputting a flowable sterilization agent into the interior from a plurality of actuation devices.
  • the actuation devices at least one of inject the flowable sterilization agent into the plastic preforms at a predefined angle ⁇ relative to the longitudinal directions of the plastic preforms, or include longitudinal directions, respectively, that are offset relative to the longitudinal directions of the plastic preforms.
  • the actuation devices are arranged such that they inject the flowable medium into the plastic preforms at the predefined angle ⁇ that is different from 0° along which the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms extend, such that a direction of injection has a component which is oriented opposite to the transport direction of the plastic preforms.
  • the longitudinal direction of an actuation device of the actuation devices in a direction of movement of the plastic preforms is offset in relation to the longitudinal directions of the plastic preforms with respect to the transport direction of the plastic preforms.
  • the method further comprises forming a gap between mouths of the plastic preforms and the actuation devices, the gap extending in the transport direction of the plastic preforms.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an apparatus for sterilizing plastic preforms, in accordance with some embodiments
  • FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic depiction illustrating the injection direction of the actuation device, in accordance with some embodiments
  • FIG. 3 are illustrations of a comparison between different injections, in accordance with some embodiments.
  • FIG. 4 is a view of an apparatus according to the inventive concepts with a deflection device for deflecting the flow emerging from the container onto the outer region of the plastic container, in accordance with some embodiments;
  • FIG. 5 is a view of the deflection device shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the number of germs or other undesirable contaminants on the containers be substantially reduced.
  • Various wet and dry aseptic methods are known for achieving this at least in part.
  • a high consumption of sterilization agent such as peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide may be required.
  • More recent machine designs therefore can reduce the number of germs in the plastic preform before the bottles are blown.
  • the plastic preform passes through a treatment region in which it is disinfected by gaseous or liquid sterilization agents or by irradiation, for example irradiation with ultraviolet radiation or electron actuation.
  • the containers to be sterilized are completely covered with the respective sterilization agent as quickly as possible.
  • the design and arrangement of the corresponding injection nozzle, which introduces the sterilization agent into the containers play a decisive role.
  • Embodiments of the present inventive concepts include systems, devices, and methods that relate to improving the sterilization of plastic containers, in particular by the actuation with a flowable medium.
  • An apparatus for cleaning and/or sterilizing plastic preforms includes a transport device, which transports the plastic preforms along a predefined transport path. Furthermore the apparatus has a plurality of actuation devices which actuate upon the plastic preforms with a flowable sterilization agent, and in particular, a gaseous sterilization agent.
  • the actuation device is formed movably together with the plastic preforms, wherein the actuation devices are arranged such that they can inject the flowable medium into the plastic preforms at a predefined angle different from 0° to the longitudinal direction thereof, and/or the longitudinal directions of the actuation devices are arranged to be offset relative to the longitudinal directions of the plastic preforms.
  • the arrangement of the actuation devices is modified in relation to the obvious central arrangement and the corresponding rectilinear injection of the sterilization agent into the containers.
  • the actuation devices are arranged such that the sterilization agent emerging therefrom is introduced into the plastic preforms substantially and preferably completely via their mouths. In this way the apparatus according to the inventive concepts can sterilize the inner surfaces of the plastic preforms.
  • the plurality of actuation devices is advantageously arranged on a movable carrier, and more particularly, transported along a closed transport path.
  • the movable carrier is a rotatable carrier, and in particular, includes a sterilization wheel on which a plurality of said actuation devices is arranged.
  • a plurality of holding devices is arranged on the carrier to hold the plastic preforms, wherein preferably an actuation device is allocated to each individual holding device. Accordingly, during the sterilization process, each actuation device is arranged in a precisely defined position in relation to the plastic preform or its holding device allocated to this actuation device, the position of which preferably does not change even during sterilization of the plastic preforms.
  • Stationary actuation devices are clearly distinguished from moving actuation devices, or nozzles.
  • the plastic preforms are transported past and below the nozzles for treatment. In this way, a relatively short injection time is available. With a continuous nozzle outflow, the majority of the sterilization agent is output to the intermediate spaces, whereby high losses are incurred. With a cyclic injection, a complex mechanical solution is necessary.
  • the actuation devices are arranged above the respective holding devices or respectively plastic preforms. During transport, i.e. during rotation of the rotatable carrier, the actuation devices are preferably guided in synchrony above the respective plastic preforms.
  • the actuation devices are arranged such that they inject the flowable medium into the plastic preforms at a predefined angle different than 0° in relation to the longitudinal direction thereof.
  • a longitudinal direction of the actuation devices is arranged to be offset in relation to the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms.
  • the actuation devices are arranged such that they inject the flowable sterilization or respectively cleaning agent into the plastic preforms at a predefined angle different from 0° in relation to the longitudinal direction thereof, preferably such that the injection direction also has a component which is oriented opposite the transport direction of the plastic preforms.
  • the injection can also take place with a component opposite the direction of movement of the plastic preforms.
  • the oblique position can be formed in a plane which also contains a direction of movement of the plastic preforms and a longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms to be sterilized.
  • a longitudinal direction of the actuation devices is in each case arranged behind the longitudinal directions of the plastic preforms, in the direction of movement of movement of the plastic preforms.
  • the individual actuation devices are offset to the rear in relation to their allocated plastic preforms or respectively in relation to the plastic preforms to be sterilized, in each case viewed in the transport direction of the plastic preforms.
  • the actuation devices each trail their allocated plastic preforms in the direction of movement of the plastic preforms
  • a gap which extends in the transport direction of the plastic preforms is formed between the mouths of the plastic preforms and the actuation devices. More precisely, this gap can be formed between a carrier of the actuation devices and the plastic preforms. This gap also serves to generate a flow which is guided through the plastic preforms for sterilization.
  • the actuation devices can therefore protrude at least slightly into the mouths of the plastic preforms.
  • the actuation devices or respectively the nozzles can be arranged above the mouth edges of the plastic preforms or respectively spaced from these mouth edges.
  • the height of the gap is between 0.5 mm and 10 mm. In some embodiments, the gap height is between 1 mm and 8 mm. In some embodiments, the gap height is between 1 mm and 5 mm. In some embodiments, the gap height is between 1 mm and 3 mm.
  • the actuation devices are arranged on a carrier.
  • the carrier is movable, and preferably also moves the plastic preforms.
  • the carrier is circular and is rotated in relation to a rotational axis.
  • the predefined angle at which the sterilization agent flows in is between 5° and 50°. In some embodiments, the predefined angle is between 10° and 30°. In some embodiments, the predefined angle between 10° and 20°. In some embodiments, the predefined angle between 12° and 18° in relation to the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms. This angle ensures that a gaseous sterilization agent reaches as far as the base of the plastic preforms in a comparatively very short time and also, with correspondingly guided flow, emerges again from the plastic preforms. In this way, extensive wetting or respectively actuation of the inner walls of the plastic preform with the sterilization agent is possible.
  • a distance d between the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms and the longitudinal direction of the actuation devices is between 2 mm and 12 mm. In other embodiments, the distance d is between 4 mm and 10 mm. In other embodiments, the distance d is between 5 mm and 9 mm. However, this distance can also on the mouth cross-section of the plastic preforms to be sterilized.
  • the plastic preforms are transported in a vertical orientation, and preferably, the actuation devices are each arranged above their allocated plastic preforms.
  • the predefined angle and/or the offset between the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms and the longitudinal directions of the actuation devices is adjustable.
  • these parameters are also variable.
  • the height of the gap above the mouths of the plastic preforms is also variable.
  • the gap height is also adjustable. In this manner, an adjustment to different plastic preform geometries can be achieved.
  • an adjustment device is provided, which allows a common or separate modification of the parameters of the individual actuation devices, where the foregoing can also be applicable automatically.
  • the actuation devices can be arranged on a common carrier, which in turn is arranged rotationally movably in relation to another carrier on which the plastic preforms are arranged, so that the offset of the actuation devices can be modified uniformly. Furthermore, it is possible for the actuation devices to be arranged on two carriers which are rotatable in relation to each other, which also allows a common adjustment of the angles or respectively injection devices of all actuation devices.
  • the actuation devices have a bore diameter or respectively outlet diameter for the sterilization agent which is between 3 mm and 8 mm.
  • the apparatus can include a deflection device which deflects the sterilization agent emerging again from the plastic container onto an outer region of the mouth of the plastic container.
  • a carrier is adjacent to the mouth of the plastic containers.
  • This carrier has a recess at one of the mouths of the plastic containers.
  • the recess extends beyond the mouth edge of the plastic container in a radial direction thereof.
  • the sterilization agent emerging again from the plastic container can be deflected by this recess onto an outer face of the thread of the plastic container and thus sterilize it.
  • this recess has a curved profile which causes a corresponding deflection of the sterilization agent.
  • this embodiment with the recess can also be used independently of the embodiments of the actuation device or respective nozzle described above.
  • said carrier is arranged above the plastic containers.
  • the carrier has a protrusion pointing towards the plastic containers or respectively plastic preforms.
  • a recess of such a type is provided which extends above the mouths of all plastic containers.
  • a first such recess or respectively groove is provided which is arranged radially inside the longitudinal directions of the plastic containers in relation to their longitudinal directions.
  • a second groove is provided which is arranged outside the longitudinal directions of the plastic containers in relation to their longitudinal direction.
  • Each individual actuation device can have an allocated annular groove or respective recess which extends as a ring about the longitudinal direction of the respective plastic container.
  • the present inventive concepts is furthermore oriented at a method for cleaning and/or sterilizing plastic preforms.
  • the plastic preforms are here transported along a predefined path. During this transport, an interior of the plastic preforms is actuated upon by a flowable and in particular gaseous sterilization agent from a plurality of actuation devices.
  • the flowable medium is introduced into the plastic preforms at a predefined angle different from 0° in relation to the longitudinal direction thereof, and/or the longitudinal directions of the actuation devices are arranged offset in relation to the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms during actuation.
  • the actuation of the interiors of the plastic preforms is not carried out in the obvious manner, centrally to the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms, but is modified with respect thereto.
  • the flowable sterilization agent is injected at a predefined angle to the longitudinal direction.
  • the actuation devices are arranged offset to the longitudinal directions of the plastic preforms.
  • At least a portion of the actuation device from which the sterilization agent emerges is arranged angled in relation to the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms in the manner described herein, such that the outlet direction defined by this portion has the above-mentioned angle in relation to the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms.
  • the actuation devices move together with the plastic preforms.
  • a pre-sterilization of the plastic containers or respectively plastic preforms is carried out.
  • the plastic preforms are molded into plastic containers by means of an apparatus for molding plastic preforms into plastic containers, and preferably the resulting plastic containers are then sterilized once again. This additional sterilization can also take place by a flowable sterilization agent.
  • the injection direction of the sterilization agent can also include a component in a direction opposite the transport direction of the plastic preforms.
  • a flow is generated by the movement of the plastic preforms, which also ensures a flow in the plastic preforms which causes at least large parts of the inner wall of the plastic preforms to be actuated upon with the gaseous sterilization agent. It is therefore possible for the plastic preforms to be rotated about their own longitudinal direction during sterilization.
  • the plastic preforms are held in the region of their mouthpiece, above the carrier ring during sterilization.
  • the carrier ring is in particular a ring which is formed peripherally below the thread of the plastic container and protrudes in a radial direction. This ring serves for the transport and delivery of the plastic containers or respectively preforms.
  • the plastic preforms are moved at least partly along a circular transport path.
  • FIG. 1 shows a partial view of an apparatus 1 for sterilizing plastic preforms 10 , in accordance with some embodiments.
  • Each preforms 10 can extend in a longitudinal direction, for example, along a symmetry axis L.
  • Each plastic preform 10 has a mouth portion 10 a which has a larger cross-section than a base body of the plastic preform 10 , and also has a thread 10 b .
  • a carrier ring 10 c is provided below the thread 10 b of the plastic preform 10 .
  • a holding device 22 holds the plastic preform 10 in a region of its mouth 10 a , for example, at a region below the carrier ring 10 c .
  • the plastic preforms 10 can move in a transport direction P.
  • an actuation device 4 is provided, which is actuated at an interior of the plastic preforms 10 with a sterilization agent.
  • the actuation device 4 can be attached to a carrier 38 by one or more fixing devices 48 , for example screws.
  • the carrier 38 can itself move together with the transport device 2 so that the actuation device 4 is always arranged in the position shown above the plastic preforms 10 .
  • An actuation is possible in other orientations of the plastic preforms 10 , for example, rotated preforms 10 .
  • An actuation device 4 can extend in a longitudinal direction LB.
  • a channel 42 via which the sterilization agent is supplied can also extend in the longitudinal direction LB.
  • the channel 42 is formed in the interior of a base body 46 of the actuation device 4 , or a respective nozzle device 4 .
  • a nozzle device 44 can be provided via which the sterilization agent reaches the interior of the plastic preforms 10 .
  • the nozzle device 44 can be arranged at an angle ⁇ relative to the longitudinal direction L of the plastic preforms 10 .
  • This longitudinal direction L is here also a vertical direction.
  • a gap 8 can be between the carrier 38 and in particular between an outlet opening from the actuation device 4 or respectively nozzle device 44 and the upper mouth edge of the plastic preforms 10 .
  • the nozzle device 44 can protrude downward beyond the carrier 38 , since the plastic preforms 10 are transported together with the actuation devices 4 .
  • the gap 8 thus extends in a horizontal plane.
  • the direction of injection of the sterilization agent is on the one hand at an angle ⁇ to the longitudinal direction L, i.e., also obliquely in relation to the transport direction of the plastic preform 10 .
  • the longitudinal direction LB of the actuation device 4 is offset towards the rear in relation to the longitudinal direction L of the plastic preform 10 , i.e. opposite the transport direction P. The offset here results from the distance d between the parallel longitudinal directions L and LB.
  • FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic view illustrating the arrangement of an actuation device, in accordance with some embodiments. From this view it is also evident that the actuation device 4 is firstly offset in relation to the centre of the plastic preform 10 and hence also in relation to its longitudinal direction, opposite to the transport direction P. FIG. 2 also shows the oblique position of the actuation device 4 or, although not shown, the respectively nozzle portion 44 , and the resulting oblique direction of the sterilization agent. It is evident from FIG. 2 that the plastic preforms 10 are transported along a circular transport path.
  • FIG. 3 are illustrations of a comparison between different injections, in accordance with some embodiments.
  • both a plastic preform 10 and a nozzle for example, nozzle 44 described herein, are moved in a transport direction.
  • the nozzle is set at the angle ⁇ relative to the transport direction.
  • the nozzle can also be offset along the transport direction eccentrically in relation to the center of the nozzle.
  • the flow impacts on the inner wall of the plastic preform via the shortest route.
  • a laminar flow occurs, which can quickly extend at the inner wall as far as the base of the plastic preform. This is illustrated in the left-hand depiction of FIG. 3 , as shown by the flow course S1 of the sterilization agent according to the arrangement of the actuation device, in accordance with the inventive concepts.
  • the resulting gap flow supports the deposition of the process gas flow.
  • the gap flow counters the deposition, as illustrated by the depiction in the right-hand side of FIG. 3 (flow course S2).
  • the process gas flow becomes increasingly turbulent and therefore smaller proportions of the sterilization agent are deposited on the base of the plastic preform 10 .
  • the eccentricity can be formed adjustably, for adaptation to different mouthpiece parameters and/or station power levels.
  • FIG. 4 shows another apparatus for sterilizing containers.
  • a deflection device 50 is provided which deflects the sterilization agent emerging from one or more containers onto an outer surface of a container 10 , in particular a threaded region 10 b of the container 10 .
  • Two grooves or recesses 52 , 54 are arranged in the carrier 38 in its side 38 a facing a container 10 . A gaseous medium emerging from the container is deflected by these grooves and thus reaches the thread 10 b of the plastic containers. The two grooves 52 , 54 can extend beyond the mouth edge 10 d of the plastic container.
  • FIG. 5 shows a cross-section view of the deflection device 50 of FIG. 4 . It is evident that the respective radially larger regions 52 b , 54 b of the two grooves 52 , 54 lie radially inside the container 10 or respectively its mouth cross-section, and that the respective radially smaller regions 52 a , 54 a lie radially outside the container 10 . In this way a relatively large proportion of sterilization agent can be “captured” and deflected. A correspondingly targeted deflection can be achieved by the relatively small radial proportion 52 b , 54 b .
  • the two recesses preferably have a semi-ellipsoid form.
  • a plurality of plastic preforms can be treated, each having different mouth diameters, using the deflection device 50 .
  • the two grooves 52 , 54 can each extend beyond a mouth edge 10 d of the plastic containers 10 in a radial direction thereof.
  • the two radially offset grooves 52 , 54 improve the disinfection of the outer surface of the plastic container 10 .
  • the two grooves 52 , 54 extend as a ring along the carrier 38 .
  • a protrusion 56 which protrudes in the direction of the mouth of the plastic container (illustrated downward).
  • the respective nozzles, through which the sterilization agent is supplied to the plastic preform, are located in this protrusion.
  • the recesses have a maximum depth T between 2 and 10 mm.
  • T the maximum depth of the sterilization agent emerging again from the plastic container or respective plastic preform.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
US14/107,505 2012-12-20 2013-12-16 Apparatus and method for sterilizing containers Active US9457114B2 (en)

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DE102012112803 2012-12-20
DE102012112803.0 2012-12-20
DE102012112803.0A DE102012112803A1 (de) 2012-12-20 2012-12-20 Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Sterilisieren von Behältnissen

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US10905786B2 (en) 2017-03-27 2021-02-02 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Sterilisation method
US11633898B2 (en) 2020-08-27 2023-04-25 Krones Ag Apparatus and method for heating plastic preforms with blow-out device
USD1116103S1 (en) 2019-06-05 2026-03-03 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dose delivery device
USD1120314S1 (en) 2022-11-30 2026-03-24 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dose delivery device

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DE102016123137A1 (de) * 2016-11-30 2018-05-30 Sig Technology Ag Verfahren und Füllmaschine zum Füllen von einseitig offenen Packungen
DE102016125721A1 (de) 2016-12-27 2018-06-28 Krones Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Sterilisieren von Behältnissen
DE102017104153A1 (de) * 2017-02-28 2018-08-30 Sig Technology Ag Verfahren und Füllmaschine zum Füllen von einseitig offenen Packungen
JP7205789B2 (ja) * 2018-07-17 2023-01-17 大日本印刷株式会社 プリフォーム
DE102020132324A1 (de) * 2020-12-04 2022-06-09 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Sterilisieren von Kunststoffvorformlingen
DE102024113740A1 (de) * 2024-05-16 2025-11-20 Khs Gmbh Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Sterilisation von Behältern

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10905786B2 (en) 2017-03-27 2021-02-02 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Sterilisation method
US10918754B2 (en) 2017-03-27 2021-02-16 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Sterilisation method
USD1116103S1 (en) 2019-06-05 2026-03-03 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dose delivery device
US11633898B2 (en) 2020-08-27 2023-04-25 Krones Ag Apparatus and method for heating plastic preforms with blow-out device
USD1120314S1 (en) 2022-11-30 2026-03-24 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dose delivery device

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EP2746029B1 (fr) 2023-03-01
US20140178250A1 (en) 2014-06-26
EP2746029A1 (fr) 2014-06-25
CN103879599A (zh) 2014-06-25
EP4144504A1 (fr) 2023-03-08
DE102012112803A1 (de) 2014-06-26
CN103879599B (zh) 2017-12-01

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